Transcatheter ethanol renal ablation in 20 patients with persistent urine leaks: An alternative to surgical nephrectomy

Purpose: We evaluate the efficacy of transcatheter ethanol renal ablation for destruction of a unilateral, poorly functioning kidney with persistent urinary leaks from fistulas or a nephrostomy tube. Materials and Methods: From January 1992 to January 1999, 19 females and 1 male with a history of pelvic neoplasms, which were responsible for ureteral leaks through the nephrostomy tube in 13 cases or fistulas in 7, were treated with transcatheter ethanol renal ablation. Serum creatinine ranged from 60 to 140 μmol./l. (mean 90), and function of the involved kidney determined by diethylenetetraminepentaacetic acid scintigraphy in 16 patients or by morphological imaging in 4 was low. Drainage of the renal cavities and antibiotic therapy preceded renal ablation. After epidural anesthesia or intravenous sedation renal ablation was performed by catheterization of the renal artery and injection of 1.5 to 12 ml. (mean 4.6) absolute ethanol, and completed by proximal occlusion with coils and absorbable gelatin sponge. Results: Arterial flow was interrupted in all cases. Urinary flow ceased in 2 days in 18 of 20 patients, and drains were removed. Two patients had residual urine that was successfully treated with additional embolization. No complications occurred. Conclusions: Transcatheter ethanol renal ablation is safe and effective, and permits an in situ nephrectomy that can replace surgical nephrectomy for treatment of urinary leaks.